Bridging Divides, Healing Communities Grant Program supports activities sponsored by organizations and groups that bring together residents for the purpose of building and strengthening relationships, especially among people who may hold different views or come from different backgrounds.
Donor Name: Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
State: Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut
County: Columbia County (NY), Dutchess County (NY), Litchfield County (CT) and Berkshire County (MA)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 11/01/2023
Size of the Grant: up to $5,000
Details:
The grant program will support new and compelling community-building ideas. Examples of potential activities include:
- Virtual forums that allow people to explore issues through different points of view
- Activities that bring a community together through arts and culture, given the restorative and community-building dimensions of the arts and creative process
- Service projects that allow a group of people to come together to address an immediate community need
Priority will be given to projects serving people who are historically marginalized, underserved or under-resourced, including communities of color; low-income, geographically isolated and/or LGBTQIA+ individuals; individuals living with disabilities; and refugees and immigrants. They believe in projects that develop and maintain community connections and look for organizations that incorporate diverse cultures, philosophies and experiences across their programming.
Funds will support new activities and previously funded projects through this grant opportunity; existing programs that can be focused to address the aims of this grant program are eligible. Preference will be given to sustaining projects previously funded previously through this opportunity. Activities and events that are the result of collaborations between and among community-based organizations—especially partnerships that seek to diversify those who organize and participate in projects—are particularly encouraged to apply.
This program is not intended to be source of funds for activities that promote a particular political position or singular viewpoints on issues that may be divisive.
Desired Outcomes
Volunteers with local knowledge and perspectives, along with foundation staff, will review applications. They will review the following:
- The proposed activity or program and how it is aligned with the goals of this grant program, such as but not limited to:
- Creating new and/or strengthening existing relationships among people of different backgrounds, experiences or beliefs (e.g., neighborhood discussions, forums)
- Forging connections around a shared experience through which participants can explore different points of view (e.g., arts and creative process)
- Coming together to pursue a common goal regardless of differences that may exist among the group (e.g., service project)
Funding Information
Grant awards will range up to $5,000 per organization. A total of $50,000 is available through this grant opportunity.
Who can apply?
Nonprofit arts, cultural and community organizations or fiscally sponsored projects in Berkshire County led by artists or community groups. Collaborations between one or more organizations is welcomed.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3) organization, or be a local government, public school or faith-based organization
- Be based in and serve residents of Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess or northwest Litchfield counties
- Not include in its by-laws or practice discrimination against a person or group on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief.
For more information, visit BTCF.
